Opps yeah meant Walters. I like Mariani and Reynaud, do we need both? If this team wants to run the ball more, win TOP, maybe we need power. Of course we got Greene, but Mooney is in that mold as a runner. CJ and Reynaud are speed guys, not grind it out guys. Maybe you go with 2 power guys to back CJ, but I'm not exactly sure what kinda team we are trying to build here...hope the guys in charge do.

Depending on how Klug looks at DE, he could help them similar to Ropati's role (or what we think it is anyway). Ropati won't rush the passer like Klug though, but it's yet to be seen what Klug will do at DE. I actually watched a KC game recently and focused just on Ropati. It was statistically one of his best games, but I didn't come away that impressed. Dawson otoh, was somewhat impressive last year, but you wonder why he hasn't done much in his career.

I see guys who I think could be used to mix in some 34, but I wonder if the 3 man fronts will not feature 4 lb's, just used for the 3 S sets they've talked about. I don't know of Williams/Gray having much 34 history. Do they? I'd think we'd have to run more of a Wade Phillips style 34.

I don't know if we need both Reynaud and Mariani or not. On one hand, they are both top level return specialist. Mariani still has a chance to develop as WR, and Reynaud likely isn't ever going to really be a viable option as a RB

The truth is though that CJ or Greene can both carry the load themselves. They've proven that in the past. If both were to get hurt we'd have to sign someone out of FA anyways, so I think we should just keep Mariani and Reynaud

Ropati is a solid but unspectacular DE in the 3-4 system. He can hold his own and allow others around him to make plays. There's a reason KCs OLBs had such huge years, it's not solely on Ropati, but he did play a role. Plus, you've always got to be intrigued with a guy that size. I think it'd actually be great to keep Klug and Ropati. Both can add depth at DE and DT, as well as probably play 3-4 DE, although Klug lacks the length that is highly sought in the 3-4. I think that versatility is extremely valuable.

If we run the 3-4 on early downs, it will likely have 4 lbers. However, it wouldn't surprise me to run a 3-3 strictly as a 3rd down and long movement and we could have some success.

On paper, this looks like an interesting alignment because, in a way, we are actually playing 5 D-Lineman and 1 LBer. Wimbley would almost exclusively be used as a pass rusher but he came from a 43 LBer so he can drop into coverage if needed. Another scenario if we are wanting to play primarily coverage is to replace the LBers to:
LB: Zavier Gooden
LB: Colin McCarthy
LB: Zach Brown

with the remaining players staying the same. This would be an extremely athletic linebacker corps and would almost be extremely tough for a passing offense. It'd almost be like playing 4 strong safeties

I think this is a pretty good prediction about the opening 53-man roster, and I can see an argument for keeping all of these guys -- though I'd personally tweak it a little bit. Some position-by-position notes...

1. While I'd love for us to only keep 2 QBs on roster, I'd ultimately be pretty shocked if we didn't keep 3 QBs because of Locker's inability to stay healthy. His style of play -- and Fitzpatrick's style too, for that matter -- makes him susceptible to little injuries throughout a long season. Basically, I think Rusty returns for one more season.

2. I also wouldn't be surprised if we kept 4 RBs on roster -- especially since Reynaud offers very little as a RB, aside from some RB/WR flexibility. We've shown several times in the past that we're open to keeping 4 RBs on roster, and I think Reynaud is viewed as pretty much a KR/PR only.

3. I think you're right with Quinn at FB, even though I'd prefer for us to keep Mooney or, better yet, get rid of the FB spot altogether and use that valuable spot at another position. If we're going to keep a FB, I wish we'd keep the guy with at least the threat to run (Mooney) rather than the guy who offers no running ability and only adequate blocking (Quinn). But this team really likes Quinn for some reason.

4. I'm not sure if we keep 5 WRs or 6 WRs since Reynaud can play WR in a pinch, as can Delanie Walker. It may be better to keep 5 WRs just from a numbers standpoint so that we can have the depth needed at other positions. If we do keep 6 WRs, then I'd be shocked if Walter -- who has experience lining up both inside and outside -- didn't beat out Mariani. A WR core of Britt, Washington, Wright, Hunter, Williams, and Walter is seriously talented.

5. At TE, these 3 guys are the obvious choices -- though it remains to be seen who will be the "starter," especially now that Delanie has apparently had some minor knee stuff going on this offseason. Right now, I'd agree with you that Stevens is probably the "starter," even though all three will see considerable playing time. This is an underrated group, I think.

6. On the OL, I think we'll probably keep 9 guys; and the ones that you've targeted seem like the most likely candidates. I suppose there's a possibility that we could cut Otto because of his cap numbers but probably not, since Stingily hasn't shown that he can play the left-OT spot.

7. At DE, these seem like the right guys too as of right now -- though I think this team will seriously look at bringing in another veteran after June 1st cuts, particularly if that veteran provides some pass-rush. We'll also have to wait and see what happens with Klug and his DT/DE stuff. He could end up being the 5th DE potentially.

8. At DT, we've got a LOT of options right now. The top 3 guys are locks (Casey, Hill, & Martin). It remains to be seen whether we'll keep 4 or 5 DTs since we've got some depth/talent there with Klug, Johnson, Harris, Charles, etc. If I had to choose, I'd probably go with either Klug or Charles with the fourth and final DT spot. (If I was brave, I'd try to sneak Charles onto the practice-squad -- though I'm not sure he'd last very long there.)

9. I think Shaw's more of MLB, but everything else looks right. Personally, I wish we had a better backup at SLB than Bailey, who doesn't offer much at LB and who isn't as good at ST as Shaw for his cap number. I'd much rather keep Shaw, cut Bailey, and bring in another June 1st vet at the backup SLB spot.

10. The CB position looks right -- though we'll have to see what kind of game Wooten brings in the preseason and whether he'll make a case for being on the active roster. The big thing here is who will be where on the depth chart. With Gregg Williams here, I could see Campbell getting much more playing time this season as a press-cover guy.

11. At FS & SS, I'm not sure about Stafford making the active roster. He seems like a classic, developmental, practice-squad type player to me. I also think that Robert Johnson will make a play for a spot -- even after his terrible season last year. More than anything, I guess it's a numbers game here -- whether the team can afford to keep 4 or 5 guys at S.

I think this is a pretty good prediction about the opening 53-man roster, and I can see an argument for keeping all of these guys -- though I'd personally tweak it a little bit. Some position-by-position notes...

1. While I'd love for us to only keep 2 QBs on roster, I'd ultimately be pretty shocked if we didn't keep 3 QBs because of Locker's inability to stay healthy. His style of play -- and Fitzpatrick's style too, for that matter -- makes him susceptible to little injuries throughout a long season. Basically, I think Rusty returns for one more season. This is a big question for me as well. Can we afford to only carry 2 QBs and risk Locker getting hurt? OTOH, can we afford to hold a roster spot on a QB who likely isn't going to play, and who isn't any better than QBs we can add mid-season as FAs? I think it'd be wise to only go with 2 QBs, stash Enderle on the PS and if Locker gets hurt sign him or one of the vets available

2. I also wouldn't be surprised if we kept 4 RBs on roster -- especially since Reynaud offers very little as a RB, aside from some RB/WR flexibility. We've shown several times in the past that we're open to keeping 4 RBs on roster, and I think Reynaud is viewed as pretty much a KR/PR only.Another good point, but we probably can't afford to keep 4 RBs unless we only carry 5 WRs, or delete the FB position

3. I think you're right with Quinn at FB, even though I'd prefer for us to keep Mooney or, better yet, get rid of the FB spot altogether and use that valuable spot at another position. If we're going to keep a FB, I wish we'd keep the guy with at least the threat to run (Mooney) rather than the guy who offers no running ability and only adequate blocking (Quinn). But this team really likes Quinn for some reason.This is something I've thought about as well, it's nice to have a FB for when you need him, but it's not absolutely vital. Walker is a guy who can move around, play H-Back and lead block. Stevens is the same type although a little better IMO as an in-line TE than H-Back. So eliminating the FB altogether is a real possibility.

4. I'm not sure if we keep 5 WRs or 6 WRs since Reynaud can play WR in a pinch, as can Delanie Walker. It may be better to keep 5 WRs just from a numbers standpoint so that we can have the depth needed at other positions. If we do keep 6 WRs, then I'd be shocked if Walter -- who has experience lining up both inside and outside -- didn't beat out Mariani. A WR core of Britt, Washington, Wright, Hunter, Williams, and Walter is seriously talented.I think we've got to carry 6 WRs, carrying 5 is just asking for a problem and resorting to Reynaud as a WR is something I do not want to resort to. The question really comes down to how much we value the return position. Are we confident enough to carry 2 guys that are primarily returnmen? If we cut Walter in preseason, he'll likely be there mid-season if we need him. If we cut Mariani, someone will pick him up to be their pro bowl return man

5. At TE, these 3 guys are the obvious choices -- though it remains to be seen who will be the "starter," especially now that Delanie has apparently had some minor knee stuff going on this offseason. Right now, I'd agree with you that Stevens is probably the "starter," even though all three will see considerable playing time. This is an underrated group, I think.Stevens should start by all accounts, with Walker getting significant playing time as an H-back role. Thompson will also get significant play time as a TE because I see us using Stevens and Thompson at TE alot with Walker in motion as an H-Back

6. On the OL, I think we'll probably keep 9 guys; and the ones that you've targeted seem like the most likely candidates. I suppose there's a possibility that we could cut Otto because of his cap numbers but probably not, since Stingily hasn't shown that he can play the left-OT spot.Otto is paid highly and I wanted to let him go earlier in the offseason, but the lack of depth at OT is pretty scary. I thought Sewell would make the team, until he left the team.

7. At DE, these seem like the right guys too as of right now -- though I think this team will seriously look at bringing in another veteran after June 1st cuts, particularly if that veteran provides some pass-rush. We'll also have to wait and see what happens with Klug and his DT/DE stuff. He could end up being the 5th DE potentially.It's a big question mark with Klug, I think he'll play more DE, and that could cost Dawson a job

8. At DT, we've got a LOT of options right now. The top 3 guys are locks (Casey, Hill, & Martin). It remains to be seen whether we'll keep 4 or 5 DTs since we've got some depth/talent there with Klug, Johnson, Harris, Charles, etc. If I had to choose, I'd probably go with either Klug or Charles with the fourth and final DT spot. (If I was brave, I'd try to sneak Charles onto the practice-squad -- though I'm not sure he'd last very long there.)I like to view the DE and DT position as a whole, generally 43 teams carry 9 D-Lineman. This leaves us at 4 DEs (Morgan, Edwards, Wimbley, Dawson) and 3DTs (SLH, Casey, Martin for sure. Then we got the 2 tweeners that can play DE or DT in Ropati and Klug. Another possibility would be to keep Johnson at DT, that would be 4 DTs, then we can keep 3 DEs (Morgan, Wimbley, Edwards) and the 2 flexes. This would be great because we know we have a nickel rusher in Ayers who is basically another flex at DE. So we'd have 3DEs, 4DTs. 2 flexes that can play DE or DT and 1 that can play DE. With the flexibility, it'd be like carrying 6 DEs and a 6DTs (although the flexes can only play one position at a time obviously). I love Charles, and he's a big darkhorse for me. I don't know if he makes it long on the PS, so if he shows enough promise we could keep him over Johnson, he would give us even more flexibility being a 43 DT and 3-4 DE. He is also athletic enough to play 43 DE on early downs. I'm a big fan of his.

9. I think Shaw's more of MLB, but everything else looks right. Personally, I wish we had a better backup at SLB than Bailey, who doesn't offer much at LB and who isn't as good at ST as Shaw for his cap number. I'd much rather keep Shaw, cut Bailey, and bring in another June 1st vet at the backup SLB spot.

Yeah I just put Shaw where he was placed on the depth chart I looked at, I think he'd be 3rd at all 3 LBer spots. I agree with Bailey, he has a big cap number and I feel we could get a better play for that amount

10. The CB position looks right -- though we'll have to see what kind of game Wooten brings in the preseason and whether he'll make a case for being on the active roster. The big thing here is who will be where on the depth chart. With Gregg Williams here, I could see Campbell getting much more playing time this season as a press-cover guy.I like Wooten, but I'm not sure he'll beat out anyone for a roster spot. If someone shows enough ability to play S from the CB spot, I could see us carrying 6CBs and 4 S's, but thats a big if 11. At FS & SS, I'm not sure about Stafford making the active roster. He seems like a classic, developmental, practice-squad type player to me. I also think that Robert Johnson will make a play for a spot -- even after his terrible season last year. More than anything, I guess it's a numbers game here -- whether the team can afford to keep 4 or 5 guys at S.

Same idea here, Johnson seemed out of position to me as a FS, but if he can show he can play SS I think he has a shot. I think his hard hitting presence will end up winning him a job based primarily as a special team ace.

man i didn't realize Bernard Pollard played with broken ribs last season. Missed 3 games and still led the team in tackles. I don't understand some fans, they think Bernard is overrated because he's not the greatest in pass protection. I really don't see much difference in his play than that of Kam Chancellor, who most fans say is one of the best SS in the game (I think he's a little overrated). The only difference is Kams got elite talent at the CB spots, Bernard has had slightly above average players at those spots

He's a guy I was initially interested in back after the 08 season, so he got here in a round about way.

I kinda hate the thought of a dumbed down offense being what we need, but it makes sense with the personnel I guess. And let's hope Jake can smoothly make choices on the field on whether to run or pass apart from plays being designed as run plays.

I kinda hate the thought of a dumbed down offense being what we need, but it makes sense with the personnel I guess. And let's hope Jake can smoothly make choices on the field on whether to run or pass apart from plays being designed as run plays.

I don't really like the term dumbed-down offenses. In my opinion it's really just using what players do best and building the offense around that, rather than trying to run something they can't do.

The 49ers run a pretty simple offense for Colin Kaepernick, but it works very well. Sometimes he has to hit a WR in stride, but there's a lot of times that the receiver is wide open and he just has to get it close.

I love the idea of using the offense to Jakes abilities. It drove me nuts watching Palmer always having him in the shotgun acting like Aaron Rodgers.

We're going to run a power running game with easy reads and easy completions for Jake. That's what will be best for the team.

From the way Munch talked about Amano earlier this year and the tone he had, it sounded like Amano's future was already determined. He talked about how he still wasn't healthy, I think his body was all used up. We waited too long to upgrade, but he was a serviceable player for several years.

From the way Munch talked about Amano earlier this year and the tone he had, it sounded like Amano's future was already determined. He talked about how he still wasn't healthy, I think his body was all used up. We waited too long to upgrade, but he was a serviceable player for several years.

It just irritates me that we resigned him but let other quality players walk over the years. 5yr 26m is a pretty decent chunk of change, he was never worth that.

I still don't fully understand why we waited so long to cut him, but it doesn't really matter now that he's gone

Campbell is reportedly working with the 1st team, Verner will continue to compete there opposite of McCourty, as well as in the slot and has even seen time at FS.

If Verner can't win the job at outside CB, and isn't going to start at FS, should we attempt to trade him. He's a good CB, just doesn't fit what we want to do on D apparently. If trade attempts fail, then we could keep him and play him in the nickel

I'll be surprised if Campbell wins the job, but with his size and speed it's hard to not root for him. I read Sensabaugh is playing nb, but I think Verner is the man for that spot. I'd like for Blidi to be a surprise to me at least, I wasn't all that impressed with what I saw of him.

Unless Campbell turns out to actually be the beast we always hoped he'd be, it's hard to get excited about the cb spot imo. But maybe getting the S spots improved is a realistic hope.

I'm pretty excited about the CB spot really, Campbell and Wilson are both physical guys and I always thought McCourty would play better up close instead of playing off zone like it seemed like he played alot.

McCourtys coming off one of his better seasons, we'll have a physical presence in the center of the field, and a ballhawk in the middle.

Verner can play outside as well as NB, is only 24 and very physical. To me that spells Gregg Williams and a nickel back position.